CONCERN has been voiced that a dying trees could fall onto vehicles using a busy road and bring down power lines in a Teesdale village.

Recent high winds have already caused one of a group of five trees to fall over.

On this occasion, it fell into a hedge.

However, residents in Low Etherley, new Bishop Auckland, fear that a change of wind direction could result in four others being blown across the B6282, damaging electricity cables on the other side of the road.

Farmer Stephen Lee, who lives opposite the trees told the December meeting of Etherley Parish Council: “Fortunately, the the tree that came down went into a hedge.

“However, four more are rotten to the core and they are being strangled by ivy.

“If there is a strong wind from the south-west they could fall across the road and onto the power lines.”

The meeting was told there were a number of other trees in Etherley which would cause great problems in the village if they were blown over.

The parish council agreed to write to Durham County Council to highlight the concerns raised.

Brian Buckley, strategic highways manager, said a survey of trees were being made across the county.

He added: “The survey includes trees on the highway or on adjacent land close to the highway and identifies where action needs to be taken to reduce the risk to highway users.

“There are a number of trees in Low Etherley which need to be removed or pruned but these are privately owned and the landowners are being asked to ensure works are carried out within eight weeks.”